Wake surf pool with central rotating foils

ABSTRACT

A wave pool configured to generate waves from a center portion of the wave pool towards the outer perimeter of the wave pool. A motor is positioned substantially at a center of the wave pool and is connected to a foil via an arm extending outwardly from the motor. The motor causes rotation of the arm and the foil for generating waves that travel away from the motor and towards an outer edge of the pool. The foil may be formed in the shape of a scoop and configured to adjust its angle relative to the arm via one or more angular adjustment connections with the arm. Multiple arms and/or foils may be used to generate waves in the wave pool, The wave pool has a deeper body of water located adjacent to the motor and a shallower body of water adjacent to the outer perimeter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of Nonprovisional patent applicationSer. No. 13/662,217, filed on Oct. 26, 2012, entitled “WAKE SURF POOLWITH CENTRAL ROTATING FOILS.”

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates generally to wave pools or waterattractions. More particularly, the present invention relates to wavepools having centrally located wave generating devices for creation ofsurfing wakes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wave pools have become a popular form of entertainment for patrons ofwaterparks and other entertainment venues. When a standard pool isoutfit with motors, pumps, or other wave-generating equipment, thenormally static pool water can be altered into an exciting and dynamicenvironment for both swimmers and tubers alike. In addition, bystandersrelaxing outside of the pool are treated to a more interestingenvironment for viewing when swimmers and tubers are negotiating thewaves.

Surfing machines have also proven a popular attraction, both forentertainment and for training purposes to help instruct individualsthat may be wary or otherwise unable to surf out in the ocean.Conventional surf machines utilize water pumps cooperating with nozzlesor jets to flow water over a variety of surfaces, allowing riders toskim atop the water flow. Still other surf devices operate in muchdeeper bodies of water, such as wave pools, essentially mimicking theeffects and feeling of surfing in the deep ocean water. Unfortunately,the cost to design and manufacture such deep water wave pools withadequate waves for surfing has proven to be costly, limiting theirinstall base. Moreover, the size of the water pumps or other wavegenerating components are typically very large and expensive to repairand maintain, in addition to the cost stemming from their high energyand power consumption.

The waves generated commonly initiate at one end of the pool or body ofwater and travel towards the opposite end. Such a configuration leads toa waste of many rideable waves since riders may be required to paddle ornavigate through oncoming waves, much like in an ocean setting, beforearriving at the wave origination location to ride one of the wavestowards shore. In response, certain configurations have been proposedfor wave pools wherein wave-generating devices, such as hulls, paddlesor pneumatic equipment, are positioned and/or move along an exteriorcircumference or perimeter of a pool and direct waves towards or arounda shallow or protruding shore located in the center of the pool. Inthese designs, the pool is deepest around its circumference andshallowest at its center.

Unfortunately, such designs are not ideal for a variety of reasons.Firstly, positioning the wave-generating devices and the deepest wateraround the perimeter of the wave pool makes entering or leaving the poolmore difficult, for example, requiring the use of bridges or tunnels tobring potential wave riders to the shallow center. Secondly, a travelingdisplacement hull around the deep water, outer circumference of the poolto generate waves also imparts movement to the entire pool, causing thewater to also rotate in harmony with the hull and reduce itseffectiveness. Thirdly, pools built with deep-water outer perimetersfail to provide the desired visibility for spectators or otherbystanders who do not wish to ride the waves in the pool, instead optingto remain adjacent to the pool but still watch the activity within. Thisis particularly apparent for parents who desire to keep an eye on thesafety of their children, but may not want to enter the shallow portionin the center of the pool itself. Indeed, the shallow portion may not belarge enough to accommodate the vast quantity of potential bystandersthat typically sunbathe adjacent to wave pools at many water parkvenues. Lastly, the exterior-positioned wave generation devices arecomplex in nature, inherently requiring a large quantity of cooperatingcomponents and adding greatly to the cost and space required to installsuch a wave pool.

Thus, an improved wave pool design capable of generating the desiredsurf waves but without the above-mentioned drawbacks is desired.Ideally, the wave pool would allow for easy access to the pool,accommodate various pool sizes and shapes, provide improved visibilityfor bystanders, and allow for customizable generation of variety of waveshapes or types. In addition, the ideal design would be relativelyinexpensive to manufacture and install and permit large amounts of usersto ride or participate with the waves in the pool simultaneously.

SUMMARY

A substantially circular wake surf pool with a centrally located wavegeneration device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a water attractionmay include a surface having a first elevation and a second elevationhigher than the first elevation, the surface configured to receive waterthereon to form a body of water, the first elevation positionedsubstantially at a center of the body of water and the second elevationpositioned substantially at a perimeter edge of the body of water. Awave generating device is located at a position along the surfaceadjacent to the first elevation for generating a wave in the body ofwater, the wave configured to travel in the body of water from the firstelevation towards the second elevation.

In another embodiment, a water attraction for the generation of wavesmay include a surface configured to receive water thereon for forming abody of water, the surface sloping from a first location to a secondlocation higher in elevation than the first location. A motor is locatedadjacent to the first location and an elongated arm is connected withthe motor. A foil is connected with the elongated arm, the foilconfigured to rotate in the body of water for venerating a wave basedupon rotation of the foil and the elongated arm due to the motor, thewave propagating towards the second location.

In still another embodiment, a wave pool may include a pool flooradapted to support water thereon to form a body of water, the pool floorhaving a first elevation and a second elevation higher than the firstelevation, the second elevation located on an outer edge of the body ofwater and the first elevation located at a center of the body of water.A motor is located at the center of the body of water and a firstelongated arm has a first end and a second end, the first end of thefirst elongated arm connected to the motor. A second elongated arm has afirst end and a second end, the first end of the second elongated arm isconnected to the motor. A first vertical foil is connected to the secondend of the first elongated arm for generating a wave in the body ofwater upon rotation of the first foil in the body of water via themotor. A second vertical foil is connected to the second end of thesecond elongated arm for generating a second wave in the body of waterupon rotation of the second foil in the body of water via the motor.

In still another embodiment, a water attraction may include a surfacehaving a first elevation and a second elevation higher than the firstelevation, the surface configured to receive water thereon to form abody of water, the first elevation positioned substantially at a centerof the body of water and the second elevation positioned substantiallyat a perimeter edge of the body of water, and a wave generating devicelocated at a position adjacent to the first elevation for generating awave in the body of water, the wave generating device having a firstfoil connected with a first elongated arm, and the wave being configuredto travel towards the second elevation.

In still another embodiment, a water attraction for the generation ofwaves may include a surface configured to receive water thereon forforming a body of water, the surface sloping from a first location to asecond location higher in elevation than the first location, a motorlocated adjacent to the first location, an elongated arm connected withthe motor, and a foil connected with the elongated arm, the foilconfigured to rotate in the body of water for generating a wave basedupon rotation of the foil and the elongated arm due to the motor, thewave propagating towards the second location.

In still another embodiment, a wave generating apparatus for use in abody of fluid may include a motor, an elongated arm extending along afirst plane and having a first end and a second end, the first end ofthe elongated arm connected to the motor, and a foil connected with thesecond end of the elongated arm for generating a wave in the body offluid upon rotation of the foil via the motor, the foil oriented at afirst angle with respect to the first plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Itis intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale andmay be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of thepresent invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designatelike parts throughout the different views, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wake surf pool water attractionwith centrally rotating foils for wave generation according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a top view of a wake surf pool with centrally rotatingfoils for wave generation according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B shows an isometric view of a wave generating apparatus utilizingcentrally rotating foils in a horizontal orientation for use in the wakesurf pool of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2C shows a side view of the wake surf pool with centrally rotatingfoils of FIGS. 2A and 2B according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2D shows an isometric view of a wave generating apparatus usingcentrally rotating foils in a horizontal configuration for use in thewake surf pool of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3A shows a top view of a wake surf pool having a sloped floor leveland using a wave generation apparatus positioned at the center accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the wake surf pool of FIG. 3A having thesloped floor level and the wave generation apparatus positioned at thecenter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a wave generation apparatus utilizingcentrally rotating foils in a vertical orientation for use in a surfpool for generating waves according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a wave generation apparatus with an adjustable foil anglewith respect to a first plane according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 shows a wave generation apparatus with an adjustable foil anglewith respect to a second plane different from the first plane accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings and pictures, which show the exemplaryembodiments by way of illustration and its best mode. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanicalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, thesteps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may beexecuted in any order and are not limited to the order presented.Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to orperformed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference tosingular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than onecomponent may include a singular embodiment.

Turning first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a wake surf pool waterattraction 100 with centrally rotating foils for wave generation isshown. The water attraction 100 includes a housing 120 locatedsubstantially at the middle or in the center of a body of water 103(e.g., a body of water) surrounding the housing 120. A floor surface 102(e.g., concrete, sand, cement, etc.) of the water attraction 100 definesa surface upon which at least a portion contains or supports the body ofwater 103 thereon. The floor surface 102 may also extend beyond the bodyof water 103 so that users of the water attraction 100 may remainoutside of the body of water, for example, to relax in lounge chairs 130or simply to watch the body of water 103 and any users participatingtherein without entering themselves.

The floor surface 102 is disposed along incline (e.g., a linear slope),extending downwardly towards the housing 120 such that the body of water103 has a varying depth due to the sloping of the floor surface 102.Thus, deeper water 104 is located adjacent to the housing 120 andbecomes more shallow water 106 at distances further away from thehousing 120. Such a configuration allows for convenient and safe use ofthe water attraction 100, even by users who are intimidated by deepwater, since the entrance to the water attraction 100 is made via theshallow water 106 area. Users who are uncomfortable in their swimmingabilities may choose to remain only at the shallow water 106 areas,without venturing into the deeper water 104 areas of the waterattraction 100. A drain 140 is positioned in the floor surface 102 andsurrounds the shallow water 106 area for helping prevent too much waterfrom flowing or splashing further up the floor surface 102 than desired.Thus, individuals can chose to relax or occupy a space on the floorsurface 102 beyond the drain 140 without worrying about getting drenchedor wet.

As discussed in greater detail herein, the housing 120 is configured tohouse a wave generating apparatus or components. Waves 110 generated bythe wave generating apparatus or components in the body of water 103 maybe configured to travel substantially radially and/or outwardly aroundthe housing 120 for a distance until reaching the shallow water 106area, the drain 140 or otherwise dying or diminishing due to gravity.The waves 110 may allow users of the water attraction 100 to surfthereon, swim therethrough, or otherwise play therein, for example, withthe use of an inflatable tube, body board, surfboard, etc. Dependingupon the operation of the wave generating apparatus or components withinthe housing 120, the waves 110 may be of a variety of sizes, shapes, ortypes. For example, small waves may be generated in water attractionsdeveloped for younger users while large, barreling waves may begenerated in water attractions developed for older users or to encouragesurfing functionality.

The nature of water attraction 100 and its associated waves 110 allowsfor an increased number of users to simultaneously and safelyparticipate in the water attraction 100 when compared againsttraditional rectangular wave pools where waves merely generate at oneend and flow towards the opposite end. Moreover, the number of waves 110may be varied depending upon the wave generating apparatus or componentsand/or the desired circumference or perimeter of the water attraction100. In an alternative embodiment, the water attraction 100 may be anyof a variety of shapes depending upon the desired footprint for thewater attraction 100. The housing 120 for containing any wave generatingequipment may still be located substantially at the center of a wavegenerating area in such an alternative embodiment in order to generatethe desired waves as discussed.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of a wake surf pool 200 with centrally rotatingfoils for wave generation. The surf pool 200 may include the same orsimilar features as previously discussed for FIG. 1. The surf pool 200includes a body of water 202 disposed around a centrally-located wavegeneration apparatus 204 that may be contained within a housing 206

or other enclosure for safety purposes and/or to keep users of the surfpool 200 from interfering with its operation. The wave generationapparatus 204 includes a motor 210 and two foils (220, 222) connectedwith the motor and configured to rotate 205 for the production of waves(230, 232) in the body of water 202. Although the surf pool 200 is shownhaving two foils (220, 222) for rotating 205 in a counter-clockwisedirection, an alternative embodiment may use greater or fewer foils asdesired for the generation of any number of separate waves and mayrotate in any direction. For example, FIG. 2D shows an alternativeembodiment of a wave generating apparatus 229 using four foils (221,223, 225, 227) shaped as compressed ovals or cylinders (e.g., withhighest thickness 211, lateral distance 212, and longitudinal distance213) and having a leading edge 228 during rotation, the same or similaras discussed throughout, that are oriented at 90 and/or 180 degrees fromone another. Certain embodiments may allow for foils to alternate theirdirection of rotation.

The surf pool 200 has a bottom surface or floor that slopes downwardlyfrom the outer circumference or perimeter of the surf pool 200 towardsthe wave generation apparatus 204, as discussed in greater detailherein. Thus, deeper water is located at a position closer to the wavegeneration apparatus 204 while shallower water is located at a positionfurther from the wave generation apparatus 204. A containment area 235with a floor that slopes back toward the body of water 202 may be usedfor the containment of waves and/or to prevent the undesired travel orsplashing of water beyond a predetermined distance from the wavegeneration apparatus 204. In certain embodiments, the containment area235 may include a drain 237, for example, such that that water isremoved from the bottom surface or floor and subsequently pumped orflowed back into the body of water 202.

FIG. 2B shows an isometric view of components of the wave generatingapparatus 204 utilizing centrally rotating foils for use in the wakesurf pool 200 of FIG. 2A. As seen, the motor 210 is locatedsubstantially in the middle between the two foils (220, 222). The motor210 may be contained within a housing, room, or other enclosure (notshown) to help shield it from water or other environmental elements thatmay interfere with its operation. Any of a variety of motors or powersources may be used for causing rotation 205 of the foils (220, 222),The foils (220, 222) are configured in a substantially horizontalconfiguration and are shown having a compressed oval shape for slicingthrough the body of water 202 to create waves therein. An alternativeembodiment may also or additionally utilize greater or fewer foilsconfigured in a different orientation (e.g., vertical foils) and/orshape (e.g., a wedge or scoop shape), as discussed in greater detailherein.

FIG. 2C shows a side view of the surf pool 200 with the wave generatingapparatus 204 described in FIGS. 2A and/or 2B. As discussed, the wavegenerating apparatus 204 utilizes a motor 210 and a plurality of foils(220, 222) configured to rotate via control by the motor 210 in order togenerate waves 290 in the body of water 202 of the surf pool 200. Anenclosure 206 or other barrier surrounds the rotating foils (220, 222)and/or the motor 210 to prevent swimmers or surfers from interferingwith the operation of the wave generating apparatus 204.

A floor 280 or bottom surface for supporting the body of water 202 has alower elevation 299 at a first distance adjacent the water generatingapparatus 204 and a higher elevation 297 at a second distance furtheraway from the water generating apparatus 204. The floor 280 may have alinear slope between the lower elevation 299 and the higher elevation297. In an alternative embodiment, the slope or incline between thelower elevation 299 and the higher elevation 297 may not be linear innature (e.g., may be discrete steps, exponential, etc.). The wave 290produced in the body of water 202 and traveling 295 away from the wavegenerating apparatus 204 may be formed as desired via shaping of thefoils (220, 222), orientation of the foils (e.g., horizontal orvertical), the speed of rotation of the foils (220, 222), and/or theshape of the floor 280 or gradient of the floor 280 supporting the bodyof water 202. A drain 285 may be positioned at a predetermined lengthfrom or surrounding the wave generation apparatus 204 for halting thepropagation of waves 290 or water beyond a desired distance.

Turning next to FIG. 3A, a top view of a wake pool 300 is shown fordemonstrating a bottom surface 302 of the wake pool 300. The wake pool300 may include the same or similar features as previously discussed. Asseen, the wake pool 300 includes an installation 305 substantially atthe center thereof The installation 305 is configured to house at leasta portion of a wake generating apparatus (e.g., a motor or pneumaticdevices for producing waves via wave chambers, etc.) for the creation ofwaves within a body of water configured to be disposed upon the bottomsurface 302 of the wake pool 300.

The bottom surface 302 of the wake pool 300 has a sloped configuration,the slope having a lower elevation near the center area of the wake pool300 adjacent to the installation 305 and a higher elevation near thecircumference or perimeter of the wake pool 300. The slopedconfiguration may be linear in nature, providing a gradual decrease inelevation as a user or swimmer of the wake pool 300 descends from theouter perimeter of the wake pool 300 towards the center area of the wakepool 300. For example, the floor level of the bottom surface 302 may beOm at a first level 322 near the perimeter, −0.1 m at a second level 320when moving nearer to the center, −0.2 m at a third level 318 whenmoving even nearer to the center, −0.3 m at a fourth level 316 whenmoving even nearer to the center, −0.4 m at a fifth level 314 whenmoving even nearer to the center, −0.5 m at a sixth level 312 whenmoving even nearer to the center, and finally −0.6 m at a seventh level310 when moving even nearer to the center and adjacent to theinstallation 305.

Thus, when filled with a body of water, the wake pool 300 gets steadilydeeper as one travels from an outer edge towards the middle. A portion330 of the bottom surface 302 disposed around the outer edge of the wakepool 300 is configured to substantially remain free from any static bodyof water disposed thereon, providing a wet beach for entrance by usersto the wake pool 300. The portion 330 may receive splashes or temporarywashes of the body of water, for example from waves generated by thecomponents located in the installation 305.

Although the wake pool 300 is described with a shape and with specificfloor levels for the bottom surface 302, any of a variety of pool shapes(e.g., rectangular, oval, wedge, etc.) may be utilized in an alternativeembodiment and any of a variety of floor levels may be used for thebottom surface 302 as desired, For example, one embodiment may utilizestep grading or a non-linear slope instead of a linear slope. Anotherembodiment may utilize differing grading for the bottom surface 302 atdifferent areas of the wake pool 300 (e.g., a children's area of thewake pool 300 may never have the bottom surface 302 at an elevationlower than a predetermined depth while an adults area of the wake pool300 is permitted to have the bottom surface 302 drop to the lowestelevation near the installation 305. In still another embodiment, theinstallation 305 for housing or containing at least a portion of thewake generating components may not be located perfectly in the center ormiddle of the wake pool 300, but rather at any location inward from theouter perimeter of the wake pool 300 such that waves may be generatedthereat and travel outwardly therefrom.

FIG. 3B shows the wake pool 300 of FIG. 3A from a side perspective tobetter illustrate the linear slope of the bottom surface 302 upon whicha body of water 340 rests thereon. The installation 305 is shown in thecenter of the wake pool 300 and the bottom surface 302 slopes upwardlyfrom a location 344 adjacent from the installation 305 to an outer edgeor perimeter 345 of the wake pool 300. The portion 330 is shown aroundthe outer edge or perimeter 345 of the wake pool 300 and without anystatic or standing water thereon. The portion 330 may be any of avariety of widths (e.g., 3 m) and may be disposed beyond a channel orslot 335 in the bottom surface 302 (e.g., the channel or slot 335 havinga width of 0.25 m and a depth of 0.45 m) for helping ensure that thebody of water 340 substantially does not rest upon the portion 330. Thechannel or slot may be or may interface with drainage equipment forevacuating any water that flows within it.

Although FIG. 3B demonstrates the installation 305 as utilizingcentrally positioned wave chambers, for example as used in pneumaticwave generation, any of a variety of wave generation devices may beutilized in an alternative embodiment. For example, centrally rotatingfoils (either horizontally oriented or vertically oriented) may beutilized with the same or similar floor features or configurationdiscussed for FIGS. 3A and/or 3B.

Turning next to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a wave generatingapparatus 400 for use in a surf pool to generate waves is shown. Theapparatus 400 may include features that are the same or similar to thosepreviously discussed, A middle portion 402 is configured to connect orinterface with a power source (e.g., a motor, generator, or otherequipment capable of causing rotation of the middle portion 402 about anaxis 405). A first arm 410 is coupled with the middle portion 402 andextends outwardly from the middle portion 402 along a first plane. Afirst foil 440 is coupled with the arm 410. Thus, upon rotation of themiddle portion 402 about the axis 405, the first arm 410 and the firstfoil 440 correspondingly rotate about the axis 405 as well.

Similarly, a second arm 412 is coupled with the middle portion 402 andextends outwardly from the middle portion 402 along the first plane, butsubstantially 180 degrees offset with respect to the first arm 410. Asecond foil 442 is coupled with the second arm 412 and thus, uponrotation of the middle portion 402 about the axis 405, the second arm412 and the second foil 442 correspondingly rotate about the axis 405.The first foil 440 and the second foil 442 are shaped so as to generatewaves in a body of water when they pass through the body of water. Forexample, the first foil 440 and the second foil 442 may both bevertically orientated and utilize a curved scoop configuration as shown,configured to displace water via the scoop to form waves when the firstfoil 440 and the second foil 442 travel through the body of water. In analternative embodiment, the first foil 440 or the second foil 442 mayutilize a variety of shapes or forms (e.g., a wedge), may be offset froma purely vertical orientation, and/or may utilize differing shapes fromone another.

The arms (410, 412) may be any of a variety of lengths for positioningthe foils (440, 442) a predetermined distance from the middle portion402 or the axis 405 in order to achieve desired wave forms or toaccommodate a desired pool size or shape. In one embodiment, one or moreof the foils (440, 442) may be adjustably positioned along a length oftheir respective arms (410, 412), for example, via a motor or actuator.In another embodiment, one or more of the foils (440, 442) may have anadjustable shape, for example using movable flaps connected with a motoror actuator, such that the waves generated by one or more of the foils(440, 442) may be configured to form different profiles. Although twoarms (410, 412) and two foils (440, 442) are shown for the wavegenerating apparatus 400, an alternative embodiment may use greater orfewer arms and/or fails (e.g., a third arm with a third foil and afourth arm with a fourth foil may be disposed substantially +90 degreesand −90 degrees respectively offset from the first arm.

The first foil 440 is coupled with the first arm 410 via two angularadjustments, as discussed below and illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Afirst angular adjustment 420 permits the first foil 440 to be adjustablypositioned or offset via an angle with respect to a first referenceplane. A second angular adjustment 430 permits the first foil 440 to beadjustably positioned or offset via an angle with respect to a secondreference plane different from the first reference plane. Similarly, thesecond foil 442 is coupled with the second arm 412 via a first angularadjustment 422 that allows the second foil 442 to be adjustablypositioned or offset via an angle with respect to a third referenceplane. The second foil 442 is also coupled with the second arm 412 via asecond angular adjustment 432 that allows the second foil 442 to beadjustably positioned or offset via an angle with respect to a fourthreference plane different from the third reference plane. Theorientation of the foils (440, 442) via the angular adjustments (420,430, 422, 432) may be performed after installation of the wavegenerating apparatus 400 (e.g., by user input via a motor connected witha controller) or may be performed during installation and fixed inposition prior to use of the wave generating apparatus 400.

FIG. 5 shows a wave generating apparatus 500 configured to have anadjustable connection 532 for generation of a desired waveform in a bodyof water. The wave generating apparatus 500 may include features thatare the same or similar to those previously discussed. The wavegenerating apparatus 500 includes a foil 542 connected with an arm 512and configured to be adjusted by foil angle 570 with respect to a plane580. As shown, the foil angle 570 may be set to orient the foil 542 withrespect to the arm 512 via +/−60 degrees from the plane 580. In analternative embodiment, the angle of adjustment may be greater than orless than +/−60 degrees. Likewise, although the plane 580 is shownsubstantially perpendicular to a plane containing the outwardlyextending arm 512 therealong, in an alternative embodiment, the plane580 may be oriented with the arm 512 along any of a number of differentangles. The foil 542 may be adjusted to the foil angle 570 in responseto user input (e.g., at a computer terminal or other control panel) ormay automatically adjust (e.g., due to time of day, in response to wavesize and/or shape determined via sensors, etc.).

FIG. 6 shows a wave generating apparatus 600 configured to have anadjustable connection 622 for generation of a desired waveform in a bodyof water. The wave generating apparatus 600 may include features thatare the same or similar to those previously discussed. The wavegenerating apparatus 600 includes a foil 642 connected with an arm 612and configured to be adjusted by foil angle 670 with respect to a plane680. As shown, the foil angle 670 may be set to orient the foil 642 withrespect to the arm 612 via +/−45 degrees from the plane 680. In analternative embodiment, the angle of adjustment may be greater than orless than +/−45 degrees. Likewise, although the plane 680 is shownsubstantially parallel to or the same as a plane containing theoutwardly extending arm 612 therealong, in an alternative embodiment,the plane 680 may be oriented with the arm 612 along a different angle.The foil 642 may be adjusted to the foil angle 670 in response to userinput (e.g., at a computer terminal or other control panel) or mayautomatically adjust (e.g., due to time of day, in response to wave sizeand/or shape determined via sensors, etc.).

The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enableany person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosedmethods and apparatus. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughoutshould be read in a non-limiting manner. Various modifications to theseexamples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and theprinciples defined herein may be applied to other examples withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method andapparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of theinvention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosed apparatus and methods. The steps of the method oralgorithm may also be performed in an alternate order from thoseprovided in the examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water attraction comprising: a surface having afirst elevation and a second elevation higher than the first elevation,the surface configured to receive water thereon to form a body of water,the first elevation positioned substantially at a center of the body ofwater and the second elevation positioned substantially at a perimeteredge of the body of water; and a wave generating device located at aposition adjacent to the first elevation for generating a wave in thebody of water, the wave generating device having a first foil connected.with a first elongated arm, and the wave being configured to traveltowards the second elevation.
 2. The water attraction of claim 1 whereinthe surface has a linear slope from the first elevation to the secondelevation.
 3. The water attraction of claim 1 wherein the wavegenerating device further comprises: a motor located at a positionadjacent to the first elevation; and the first elongated arm of the wavegenerating device is connected with the motor and configured to rotatein the body of water for generating the wave in the body of water. 4.The water attraction of claim 3 wherein the first elongated arm extendsalong a first plane and further comprising a second foil connected witha second elongated arm extending along the first plane.
 5. The waterattraction of claim 4 wherein the second elongated arm of the wavegenerating device is connected with the motor and configured to rotatein the body of water for generating a second wave in the body of water.6. The water attraction of claim 4 wherein the first foil is configuredto adjust by a first angle with respect to a first plane.
 7. The waterattraction of claim 6 wherein the second foil is configured to adjust bya second angle with respect to a second plane different from the firstplane.
 8. The water attraction of claim 7 wherein the first plane isperpendicular to the second plane.
 9. The water attraction of claim 5wherein the first foil and the second foil are positioned 180 degreesfrom each other and are configured to rotate around the motor.
 10. Thewater attraction of claim 3 wherein the first foil is coupled with themotor in a vertical orientation.
 11. The water attraction of claim 10wherein the first foil is shaped as a curved scoop.
 12. A waterattraction for the generation of waves comprising: a surface configuredto receive water thereon for forming a body of water, the surfacesloping from a first location to a second location higher in elevationthan the first location; a motor located adjacent to the first location;an elongated arm connected with the motor; and a foil connected with theelongated arm, the foil configured to rotate in the body of water forgenerating a wave based upon rotation of the foil and the elongated armdue to the motor, the wave propagating towards the second location. 13.The water attraction of claim 12 wherein the foil is configured toautomatically adjust by an angle with respect to the elongated arm basedupon a predetermined passage of time.
 14. The water attraction of claim12 wherein the foil is configured to automatically adjust by an anglewith respect to the elongated arm in response to a sensor, the sensorconfigured to sense a characteristic of the wave.
 15. The waterattraction of claim 12 wherein the foil is configured to adjust by anangle with respect to the elongated arm in response to user input. 16.The water attraction of claim 12 wherein the foil is connected in avertical orientation with respect to the elongated arm.
 17. The waterattraction of claim 16 further comprising: a second elongated armconnected with the motor and substantially 180 degrees offset from thefirst elongated arm; and a second foil connected with the secondelongated arm, the second foil configured to rotate in the body of waterfor generating a second wave based upon rotation of the second foil andthe second elongated arm due to the motor, the second wave propagatingtowards the second location.
 18. A wave generating apparatus for use ina body of fluid comprising: a motor; an elongated arm extending along afirst plane and having a first end and a second end, the first end ofthe elongated arm connected to the motor; and a foil connected with thesecond end of the elongated arm for generating a wave in the body offluid upon rotation of the foil via the motor, the foil oriented at afirst angle with respect to the first plane.
 19. The wave generatingapparatus of claim 18 wherein the first foil is configured to changeposition by a second angle with respect to a second plane.
 20. The wavegenerating apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first angle with respect tothe first plane is 90 degrees.